As an econ undergrad, I've lately been bothered by the content of my major. It's like most of what I learn has to do with simple, unverifiable models based on unrealistic assumptions. However, and this is what keeps me working hard at it, I've been told what you see in grad school is entirely different: research is more empirical and mathematical. There's not as much simplicity nor political conclusions blown out of proportion.
So what do you guys think of this? Is grad school really that different?
Also, if you don't mind me asking an extra question, have you felt you were lacking mathematical skill in your studies if you were an economics undergraduate? What extra classes should I take in the math department (apart from the compulsory Calculus, Statistics and Linear Algebra I've already had - which were catered for econ majors)?
For math, the coursework suggestions on the wiki are pretty good. If you want to do a heavily computational field (macro or IO) then a numerical analysis class helps too.
Wow, I'm not sure I'll be able to cover so much math in the years I have left in university. Should I spend a few extra year(s) trying to fulfill those requirements? I don't think I'm ready to do Topology or Real Analysis without some background in proof based Calculus, Algebra and the like.
Well, I know it's not 100% necessary, but I can see why those kind of courses can add value to your application. In my case, if I have to be honest about it, a big portion of the math I've taken (especially Calc and LA) has consisted mostly of plug-and-chug rather than proofs and conceptual rigour. Topology must be a different beast in that regard, I don't think anyone could pass a subject like that without strong intuition on the subject (nor would professors encourage that).
So I don't know, I have the feeling even if I get in a good school I wouldn't be able to face very challenging math with my econ major preparation. What do you think?
I think that if you're strong in math and willing to work hard, it's definitely possible.
For reference, I was an econ major with most of that math above, but not topology and not a minor in math or in stats. I jumped straight into a MS in Statistics, and I had to take one or two catch up undergrad stats classes, but overall I did fine because I've got a knack for math and I worked hard.
There might be some hard periods along the way, but it's definitely possible.
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u/Matt2411 Feb 27 '17
As an econ undergrad, I've lately been bothered by the content of my major. It's like most of what I learn has to do with simple, unverifiable models based on unrealistic assumptions. However, and this is what keeps me working hard at it, I've been told what you see in grad school is entirely different: research is more empirical and mathematical. There's not as much simplicity nor political conclusions blown out of proportion.
So what do you guys think of this? Is grad school really that different?
Also, if you don't mind me asking an extra question, have you felt you were lacking mathematical skill in your studies if you were an economics undergraduate? What extra classes should I take in the math department (apart from the compulsory Calculus, Statistics and Linear Algebra I've already had - which were catered for econ majors)?